The 2015 action-thriller **Run All Night** stars Liam Neeson as Jimmy Conlon, an aging mob hitman haunted by his past. He is forced to go on the run to protect his estranged son from his former mob boss and best friend, Shawn Maguire (Ed Harris), leading to a tense, night-long chase across New York City.
Here at IWatchMovies Blog, we’re adding to our extensive collection of individual movie reviews by diving deep into this high-octane film to see if it lives up to the hype. Is Run All Night more than just another action-packed ride? In this review, we’ll break down its intense plot, explore the themes of fatherhood and redemption, and compare Liam Neeson‘s performance against the equally formidable Ed Harris. We’ll also cover the full cast, share our final verdict, and tell you where you can stream or watch Run All Night right now. So, grab your popcorn. Let’s untangle the web of loyalty and betrayal by starting with the plot.
What happens in Run All Night?
The Setup: An Aging Hitman’s Regret
Run All Night introduces Jimmy Conlon (played by the incomparable Liam Neeson), a legendary hitman for the New York City Irish mob. Now past his prime, Jimmy is a heavy drinker haunted by the ghosts of his violent past and consumed by regret.
The deepest of these regrets is his relationship with his estranged son, Mike Conlon (played by Joel Kinnaman). An honest limo driver, Mike wants nothing to do with his father’s criminal world, leaving their bond completely broken. Complicating matters is Jimmy’s deep-seated loyalty to his mob boss and childhood friend, Shawn Maguire (played by Ed Harris). This setup reveals a man at rock bottom, torn between old loyalties and a desperate need for redemption.
The Inciting Incident: A Son in Peril
The plot ignites when Shawn Maguire’s reckless son, Danny Maguire (played by Boyd Holbrook), botches a drug deal by double-crossing and murdering Albanian dealers. By sheer bad luck, Mike Conlon is Danny’s limo driver and witnesses the entire execution. Realizing he’s a loose end, Danny turns his gun on Mike.
Sensing danger, Jimmy arrives just in time to intervene. In the ensuing struggle to protect Mike, Jimmy is forced to kill Danny. This single act shatters his friendship with Shawn, who declares war and unleashes his entire criminal network to kill both Jimmy and his son. The father-son duo is now forced on a desperate run through the streets of New York City.
The Chase Through New York
With Danny dead, Jimmy and Mike are hunted from two sides. Not only has Shawn Maguire mobilized his entire crew to kill them, but the NYPD is also in pursuit. The case is led by the tenacious Detective Harding (played by Vincent D’Onofrio), a man who has spent years trying to imprison Jimmy and now sees his opportunity.
Forced to run all night, Jimmy and Mike navigate the city’s dangerous underbelly, from dark alleys to subway tunnels. This desperate fight for survival forces them into a reluctant partnership. While Mike initially resents and distrusts his father for his criminal past, the constant threat pushes them to rely on one another. As the night wears on, their shared ordeal slowly begins to mend their fractured relationship through a series of pulse-pounding action sequences and close calls.
The Final Confrontation
The relentless chase culminates outside the city at Shawn Maguire’s secluded family cabin, the setting for the ultimate showdown. Jimmy’s goal is singular: protect Mike and ensure his son can walk away with his name cleared and his life intact. To do this, he knows he must finally confront his oldest friend.
The final confrontation between Jimmy and Shawn is a raw, emotional battle fueled by loyalty, revenge, and a desperate desire for redemption. In the end, both men are simply fighting for their sons. The conflict reaches a brutal resolution where Jimmy makes a profound sacrifice, ensuring Mike’s survival and giving him a chance at a normal life. This powerful conclusion to a gripping crime thriller delivers a poignant message about fatherhood and the lengths one will go for family.
Is Run All Night a good movie?
Reviewing the Performances: Neeson vs. Harris
Run All Night truly shines thanks to its powerful lead actors. Liam Neeson steps back into his familiar action hero role as Jimmy Conlon, but this performance offers much more than a typical tough guy. Neeson skillfully portrays a man haunted by his past—a weary, aging hitman seeking a semblance of peace. His desperation to protect his estranged son ultimately drives his every action.
Ed Harris is equally compelling as Shawn Maguire, Jimmy’s former boss and lifelong friend turned vengeful adversary. Harris brings a chilling intensity to the character, portraying a man consumed by grief and a twisted sense of loyalty. His performance is both menacing and heartbreaking, which creates a complex villain rather than a one-dimensional foe.
The chemistry between Neeson and Harris is undeniable. Their shared history permeates every scene they have together, conveying a deep understanding of their characters’ long, dark past. This dynamic between the veteran actors elevates the film beyond a standard action thriller and serves as the emotional core of the narrative.
Pacing and Action Sequences
From its intense opening, Run All Night maintains a relentless pace, propelling viewers through a single, desperate night in New York City. Director Jaume Collet-Serra, known for his work with Neeson, crafts a suspenseful atmosphere where the story unfolds quickly, leaving little room for breath.
The action sequences are gritty and realistic, featuring brutal hand-to-hand combat, explosive shootouts, and thrilling car chases. These scenes feel grounded and avoid over-the-top theatrics. Furthermore, the nocturnal setting enhances the film’s dark aesthetic, turning the city itself into a character full of shadows and lurking danger.
Critics generally appreciated the film’s efficient storytelling and intense sequences. For example, it holds a 60% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes [1] based on 178 reviews, indicating a largely positive reception. The film's brisk editing ensures constant tension, keeping the audience engaged from start to finish.
Exploring Themes of Fatherhood and Redemption
Beyond the gunfire and chases, Run All Night delves into profound themes. At its heart, it is a story about fatherhood. Jimmy Conlon’s primary motivation is to save his son, Mike, from the violent life he himself has led. This powerful paternal bond forms the emotional backbone of the plot.
Redemption is another crucial element, as Jimmy sees this night as his last chance to atone for decades of brutal crimes. His efforts to shield Mike are an attempt to break a cycle of violence and offer his son a different path, adding significant depth to his character arc.
Conversely, Shawn Maguire embodies a distorted version of fatherhood. His vengeful pursuit stems from the loss of his own son, creating a tragic mirror image of Jimmy’s quest. Both men are driven by family, albeit with devastatingly different outcomes. The film thus explores the heavy legacy passed down through generations and shows how past mistakes can haunt the present.
Final Verdict and Rating
Is Run All Night a good movie? Absolutely. It delivers a solid, engaging action-thriller experience. While the film might not reinvent the genre, it executes its premise with proficiency and emotional weight. It boasts strong performances from Neeson and Harris, and its relentless pacing keeps you on the edge of your seat. The critical consensus on Metacritic gave it a score of 59 out of 100 [2], indicating generally favorable reviews.
Fans of Liam Neeson’s later-career action films will certainly enjoy this, as it offers more dramatic substance than some of his previous outings. Furthermore, anyone who appreciates a well-crafted crime drama will find value here. It’s a dark, exciting ride through the city’s underbelly.
Overall, Run All Night is a compelling film that is perfect for a night in. We rate it highly for its thrilling action and powerful performances.
- IWatchMovies Blog Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
- Recommended for: action-thriller enthusiasts, fans of Liam Neeson and Ed Harris, crime drama aficionados.
Who is in the ‘Run All Night’ Cast?
Main Cast
A great action thriller depends on its cast, and Run All Night features a formidable lineup of talent. Their powerful performances drive the film’s intense and emotional narrative.
- Liam Neeson as Jimmy Conlon: Neeson delivers another signature performance as a grizzled, world-weary hitman haunted by his past. While the role fits his established action-hero persona, he adds layers of regret and desperation as he fights to save his estranged son.
- Joel Kinnaman as Mike Conlon: Kinnaman plays Jimmy’s estranged son, a former boxer who wants nothing to do with his father’s criminal life. Acting as the story’s moral compass, Mike is thrust into a dangerous fight for survival. His complex dynamic with his father forms the emotional backbone of the movie.
- Ed Harris as Shawn Maguire: As the vengeful crime boss Shawn Maguire, Ed Harris is both menacing and relentless. Once Jimmy’s best friend, Shawn becomes his nemesis after the death of his son. Harris brings a quiet intensity to the role, making him a truly formidable antagonist.
Supporting Roles
Beyond the central trio, Run All Night features a strong supporting ensemble. These actors add depth and tension to the high-stakes chase, helping to build the film’s gritty, atmospheric world.
- Genesis Rodriguez as Gabriela Conlon: As Mike’s wife, Gabriela is a crucial figure caught in the crossfire of the escalating violence. Rodriguez effectively portrays her character’s fear and resilience.
- Vincent D’Onofrio as Detective Harding: D’Onofrio plays a seasoned detective who has pursued Jimmy Conlon for years. He adds a constant layer of law enforcement pressure to the narrative, and his persistence mirrors the film’s relentless pace.
- Common as Mr. Price: Hired by Shawn Maguire, Mr. Price is a ruthless and efficient hitman tasked with hunting down Jimmy and Mike. Common embodies the cold killer with a chilling precision, posing a significant threat throughout the night.
- Bruce McGill as Pat Mullen: McGill portrays a loyal associate of Shawn Maguire, a role that highlights the deep-seated connections within the criminal underworld.
- Boyd Holbrook as Danny Maguire: Holbrook plays Shawn’s hot-headed son, whose impulsive actions ignite the film’s central conflict. His brief but impactful appearance sets the stage for the intense, night-long pursuit.
- Holt McCallany as Frank: McCallany, a familiar face in crime dramas, plays another of Maguire’s enforcers.
Why was Nick Nolte uncredited in Run All Night?
Ah, the mystery of the uncredited cameo! When you’re watching an intense thriller like Run All Night, you might do a double-take at a familiar face and wonder why they’re not in the main cast list. That’s exactly what happened with veteran actor Nick Nolte.
Nolte makes a brief yet impactful appearance as Eddie Conlon, the estranged brother of Liam Neeson’s character, Jimmy Conlon. Although his scene is short, it adds a crucial layer to Jimmy’s troubled past and reveals the deep-seated family conflicts. It’s a powerful moment that makes his lack of a credit all the more surprising.
Why Actors Take Uncredited Roles
There are several reasons why an established actor like Nick Nolte might appear in a film without receiving an official credit. In Hollywood, these choices are often quite deliberate. Here are some of the most common motivations:
- The Cameo Effect: Often, big-name actors take on very small, non-pivotal roles as a cameo. This can be a fun surprise for the audience, adding an unexpected star presence. It’s a bit like an Easter egg for movie buffs.
- A Favor or Friendship: Actors frequently appear in projects as a favor to a director, producer, or fellow cast member. Given Liam Neeson and Nick Nolte’s long careers, a professional relationship or friendship could easily be a factor.
- Artistic Choice: Sometimes, an actor might take on a smaller role because they genuinely connect with the material or the character, even if it’s not a major part. Opting out of a credit can also remove the pressure or expectation associated with a credited performance.
- Contractual Agreements: Less common for a star of Nolte’s caliber in such a small role, but sometimes specific contractual language dictates how and when an actor is credited, or not credited.
Nick Nolte’s Role in Run All Night
In Run All Night, Nick Nolte’s appearance as Eddie Conlon likely falls into the “cameo effect” and “favor” categories. His role is confined to a single, powerful scene where he confronts Jimmy about their past and the family’s current crisis. This brief but emotionally charged interaction effectively underscores the deep-rooted dysfunction within the Conlon family.
By forgoing a credit, the filmmakers created a powerful, unexpected moment for the audience. The surprise of seeing Nick Nolte’s distinct presence suddenly appear adds immense gravitas to an already intense situation. It’s a clever directorial choice that enhances the film’s gritty atmosphere without distracting from the main story.
Ultimately, while Nick Nolte was officially uncredited for his role as Eddie Conlon in Run All Night, his performance was undeniable and memorable [source: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2199571/fullcredits]. It serves as a testament to his acting prowess that even in a brief, uncredited part, he could leave such a lasting impression.
Where Can You Stream ‘Run All Night’?
Eager to watch the high-stakes action of Run All Night? This intense thriller, starring Liam Neeson and Ed Harris, is available across several platforms. Here’s a clear breakdown of where you can find this gripping film.
Is ‘Run All Night’ on Netflix?
Currently, Run All Night (2015) is not available on Netflix in the United States [3]. While streaming libraries change often, you won’t find it there for now. Fortunately, there are several other ways to watch this acclaimed action movie.
Rental and Purchase Options
If you want to watch Run All Night immediately, your best bet is to rent or purchase it digitally. This allows you to stream the film instantly from the comfort of your home. You can find it on these major platforms:
- Amazon Prime Video: Rent or buy Run All Night directly.
- Apple TV (iTunes): Available for both rental and digital purchase.
- Google Play Movies & TV: Offers rental and purchase options for the film.
- Vudu: Another great platform to rent or buy the movie.
- YouTube Movies & TV: You can also find it here for rent or purchase.
Rental and purchase prices can vary by platform, so be sure to check your preferred service for current deals. No matter how you choose to watch, prepare for a thrilling ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there going to be a run all night 2?
Many fans have wondered if there will be a sequel to Run All Night, especially given Liam Neeson’s action-star status. However, no official follow-up has been announced.
The film performed only moderately at the box office. Although it tells a self-contained story, sequels in Hollywood are typically driven by major commercial success. For this reason, a Run All Night 2 does not appear to be in development [4].
What is the ‘Run All Night’ parents guide?
Run All Night is rated R by the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). This rating signifies that the film contains mature content, and viewers under 17 must be accompanied by a parent or adult guardian.
The film received its R-rating for several key reasons, which parents should consider [5]:
- Strong Violence: The movie features intense and frequent sequences of gun violence, hand-to-hand combat, and bloody injuries.
- Pervasive Language: Viewers will hear a significant amount of strong language, including frequent use of expletives.
- Some Drug Material: There are references to drug use and characters involved in drug-related activities, though it’s not a central theme.
Parents should be aware of these themes before deciding if the movie is appropriate for their family members.
What year did Run All Night come out?
The action-thriller Run All Night was released in theaters on March 13, 2015, in the United States [4].
The movie featured Liam Neeson in another intense, fast-paced role, which helped solidify his reputation as an enduring action star.
